Tasman District is located in the northwestern South Island. It covers approximately 9,786 square kilometres and has a population of about 60,000. Tasman is a unitary authority area, with its council exercising both district and regional council functions. The council is based in Richmond.

The economy is based on horticulture, agriculture and pastoral farming, forestry, fishing, aquaculture, food processing and tourism. With a mild, sunny climate and fertile soils, the district is an important producer of apples, pears, kiwifruit, grapes, hops and vegetables. Hop growing is nationally significant and supplies raw materials for New Zealand’s craft beer industry.

The district has beautiful scenery and extensive forests, coastlines, mountains, lakes and biodiversity. Well-known attractions include Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson Lakes National Park and Kahurangi National Park.

The current mayor is Tim King.